When I first picked up a tennis racket at nine years old, I had no idea how much that moment would shape my life.
Tennis wasn’t my dream.
It wasn’t something I had envisioned for myself.
It was just something my dad played—something he encouraged my sister and me to try.
At first, I hesitated.
Would I be any good? Would I even like it?
But the moment I stepped onto the court, I was hooked.
There was something special about how tennis blended strategy, athleticism, and competition.
I wasn’t just playing a sport—I was discovering a passion.
Turning a Dream Into Reality
As I improved, tournaments became part of my routine.
Each match was a test, a lesson, and a chance to push my limits.
Somewhere along the way, the idea of playing at the collegiate level shifted from a distant dream to an attainable goal.
I knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy.
It would demand relentless dedication, sacrifices, and an unwavering belief in myself.
But I was ready.
The recruiting process was both thrilling and nerve-wracking.
I sent out emails, hoping to find the right fit academically and athletically.
When Coach Summitt reached out, something just felt right.
His passion for the program, the team’s values, and the overall campus environment resonated with me.
After visiting UNO and meeting my future teammates, I knew this was where I belonged.
Adjusting to the College Game
The jump from high school to college tennis was more challenging than I ever imagined.
The competition was tougher, the training was more intense, and every match demanded my best.
Graduating in 2020 meant I was coming in during the height of COVID-19, and while it didn’t cancel my freshman season, it definitely impacted the road leading up to it.
My training was limited, courts were closed, and I wasn’t able to practice or hit with others consistently before stepping onto campus.
That made the transition even harder—and the college game quickly humbled me.
But instead of letting it shake my confidence, I used it as motivation.
I embraced the challenge, leaned into the work, and started figuring out exactly where I needed to grow.
A Setback That Became a Comeback
Just as I was feeling adjusted to the college game, I faced my biggest challenge yet: a torn labrum in my shoulder.
The diagnosis was crushing.
Surgery was inevitable, and the road to recovery would be long.
Injuries test more than just the body—they test your mindset, your patience, and your resilience.
The frustration of sitting on the sidelines, the grueling hours of rehab, and the lingering uncertainty of whether I’d return to my peak—it all weighed on me.
But through it all, I wasn’t alone.
My teammates, coaches, and the incredible athletic training staff supported me every step of the way.
That experience taught me something invaluable: success isn’t about perfection.
It’s about persistence, progress, and, most importantly, embracing the journey—even when it takes unexpected turns.
Beyond the Court
Looking back on my time at UNO, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude.
The experiences, the challenges, and the triumphs have all shaped me into the player and person I am today.
Beyond tennis, I’ve developed a deep passion for health and kinesiology, which led me to pursue my master’s degree with a concentration in public health.
This education isn’t just preparing me for life after tennis—it’s making me a better athlete, leader, and person.
UNO has become more than just a university.
It’s my home.
The sense of community within the athletic department is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
From my coaches to academic advisors, everyone here is invested in our success—not just as athletes, but as individuals.
Looking Ahead
The journey is far from over.
My tennis goals continue to grow, and I’m determined to push myself to new heights.
But beyond my own success, I want my story to inspire others.
I want to show that setbacks don’t define you—they prepare you for something greater.
That perseverance, belief, and hard work can take you further than ever imagined.
Tennis has given me so much—discipline, resilience, and the confidence that no challenge is too big to overcome. With the support of my teammates, coaches, and the entire UNO community, I know the best is yet to come.
This journey hasn’t been easy, but every moment has been worth it.
And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.